Malta is the big winner of the Belgian Tourist Awards 2019
The Malta Tourism Authority has announced that Malta won the Country of the Year 2019 award as well as of the overall Destination of the Year 2019 award in the first Belgian Tourist Awards presentation held this week.
Gert Van Wichelen, president of the Belgian Tourist Awards and publisher of Grande.be, handed the awards to the representatives of the MTA in Belgium, Glenaki Tourism Consultancy, in the presence of Malta’s Ambassador for Belgium, Ray Azzopardi.
Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli expressed her satisfaction at this latest recognition for Malta. While applauding this achievement, Farrugia Portelli said that every year more than 70,000 Belgian tourists visit the Maltese Islands. She concluded that as from July, Malta as a safe destination, is ready to welcome tourists and Belgian guests to visit us again.
Ambassador Azzopardi commented: "Malta is a very versatile destination with a rich history, culture, nature and many leisure options. Our visitors can enjoy good weather almost all year round and a flight from Belgium takes only 2 hours 45 minutes. From 15 July our country will open again for Belgian tourists. Fortunately, the Coronavirus has only affected Malta to a very limited extent. We are very happy that the Belgian tourists have chosen us!"
The versatility and diversity of the Maltese Islands is one of the main reasons why Malta is becoming increasingly popular with the Belgian tourist. Ecotourism, gastronomy, active holidays, the growing number of boutique properties and the overall safety of the islands also make Malta, Gozo and Comino an attractive proposition for Belgian travellers, who tend to visit not only in summer, but also in the off-peak months of autumn and winter.
The Belgian Tourist Awards 2019 contest is a partnership between Belgian tourist websites Grande.be and Vacancesweb.be/Holidayweb.be.
The contest was organised during March and April and attracted more than 10,000 participants who voted for the best tourist destinations and best tourist companies.